THE NHS across Worcestershire will be significantly impacted throughout the strike action due to take place later this week from 7am tomorrow (Wednesday) to 7am on Monday, December 22.
This will result in serious challenges for all NHS services in Worcestershire.
NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire’s Chief Medical Officer Dr Will Taylor said: “We are working closely with our partners to make sure patients can access the care they need, in a safe environment, during industrial action.”
Healthcare leaders across Worcestershire are asking local people to think carefully about the services they use during the period and to be proactive to avoid preventable illness to ensure emergency services are there for those who need them.
Dr Jules Walton, Chief Medical Officer at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “With strikes taking place over five days during what is already a busy time of the year for health services, we expecting to be under increased pressure.
“Our Emergency Department team will be working exceptionally hard prioritising patients with life or limb threatening injury and illness to provide lifesaving care for those patients in the greatest need. Patients whose condition is less serious may be asked to seek treatment elsewhere or face an extremely long wait.”
She added for those whose conditions were less serious, they could call 111 or visit: 111.nhs.uk to be directed to the best possible healthcare option, including out-of-hours GP services or pharmacists, MIUs (Minor Injury Units) or, if needed, A&E.
MIUs in Bromsgrove and Malvern have extended x-ray services available this weekend. MIUs in Evesham, Kidderminster and Tenbury are also open, providing expert care for a wide range of minor injuries
Dr Walton added: “Local people can play their part to help reduce pressures on services by only using 999 and A&E for genuine life-threatening emergencies and using NHS 111 online or by phone for other care needs or if you’re unsure about whether you should go to hospital.
“We are also seeing significant additional pressures as a result of high levels of flu and other seasonal illnesses.
“I would encourage anyone who hasn’t yet had their flu vaccination to protect themselves and their loved ones against the risk of infection by getting vaccinated as soon as possible.”
